Ferrera follows past "Independent Lens" presenters including Susan Sarandon, Terrence Howard and Edie Falco.
PBS says Ferrera will make her debut when the award-winning anthology series begins its new season of 27 documentaries on Oct. 19.
Ferrera won an Emmy, a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her portrayal of Betty Suarez on ABC's "Ugly Betty," which wrapped last year after four seasons.
The 26-year-old announced her engagement to longtime boyfriend, Ryan Piers Williams, in June.
